The 12-step program was developed in the 1930s, it was originally used for the treatment of alcoholics, and after two decades - for the treatment of drug addicts. Millions of alcohol and drug addicts have been able to start a healthy life without substances thanks to the program. The technique is recognized as the most effective and is used in the best drug treatment clinics around the world.

What is the specificity of the method?

The 12-step program helps the addict to understand the very essence of the problem, find its source, and then regain the meaning of existence. Conscience awakens in a person, opportunities for introspection open up, and continuous spiritual growth begins.

The program is often used in drug treatment centers. The members of the group are both those who are just starting to work with their addiction, and people who have already been cured. Newcomers who fall into the group do not immediately become full members of it. They attend several classes, get a complete understanding of the program, as well as the principle of its operation, and only after that make an informed decision: whether they want to use the method or not.

Each newcomer has his own “sponsor”, this is his guide in the program, the one to whom he can turn for help and answers to questions. Sponsors are only those of the participants who themselves have gone through all 12 steps and have been sober and clean for more than a year.

The program is aimed at helping the addict recognize that he is sick, accept defeat and seek support and help. The 12 Steps help you find the path of spiritual development, change and find a healthy and happy life, in which there is no place for addiction.

Program History

The founding father of the program is former stockbroker Bill Wilson. Bill was a hardened alcoholic. He went to the clinic four times for treatment, but soon returned to drinking again. His primary care physician once told his wife that Bill was hopeless and alcoholics like him were not recovering. Bill had an unenviable future: cerebral edema, liver disease and death.

Bill was regularly visited by his friend Edwin, a former alcoholic who was able to quit. He urged Bill that first he must admit his defeat and his absolute powerlessness over alcoholism, gain faith in some Higher Power, and then begin his journey to recovery. Encouraged by Edwin's experiences and successes, Bill joined the Oxford Group. Later, the principles of this group will form the basis for the future 12-step program. Participation in the movement allowed Bill to gradually improve his life, he found an interesting job, he had not consumed alcohol for six months, but one day he almost had a breakdown. When Bill realized that a little more and all the progress he had made would come to naught, he decided that he could be helped by communicating with someone who understood his problem. A fellow member of the Oxford Group set him up with an alcoholic named Bob.

This strange meeting was the day when the famous 12 steps were born. Bill and Bob talked for almost 7 hours, on this very day Bill decided to streamline the principles of working with dependencies. The text of the program was written in 1938, around the same time Bill gathered around him a society of Alcoholics Anonymous. The society was a huge success and by 1995 the number of its members had increased to two million.

How should the idea of ​​a Higher Power be understood?

One of the important ideas of the technique was the idea of ​​a Higher Power, as something intangible, but reasonable, that controls life. Keep in mind that the 12 Steps is not a religious program, and a Higher Power should not be taken in a religious sense. This is the ideal image that a person should strive for in the process of rehabilitation. Everyone understands it in their own way. The Higher Power has no name, it is not God, not Buddha and not Allah.

The idea of ​​a Higher Power is that a person has no power even over his own life. He cannot see either his own or someone else's future, in many situations he cannot even influence the course of events. The 12-step Higher Power is something like a personal God, a guardian angel who has plans for his ward, but they are unknown to the ward himself. The Higher Power is a barrier between a person and a chaotic unpredictable future, and this barrier is not soulless, it takes care of a person.

The addict must admit that he does not do what his will requires, but what the will of the Higher Power requires, because pride and egocentrism become one of the most important factors contributing to the development of addiction. Faith in a Higher Power helps you accept the natural course of events and heal.

What does each step mean?

Each step of the program has its own meaning. The transition to the next stage is carried out when the dependent has fully mastered the previous one.

First. Recognition of powerlessness in the face of addiction and loss of self-control.

This step is the most difficult to do, it will become the point from which a new life will begin. It takes a special courage to admit defeat. The decision to go sober means that the addict is ready to accept responsibility for their loved ones: children, spouse, relatives, and for themselves. The resident of the rehabilitation center will have to admit that his actions are destructive, and he destroys not only his own life, but also the fate of the dearest people.

Second. Recognition of the existence of a Higher Power and the belief that it will help return to normal life.

A person has to gain faith that he can overcome his addiction, be able to feel happiness without changing his mind with substances. A person will have to believe that there is a Higher Power that will provide him with such necessary help on this difficult path.

Third. A conscious decision to submit your will to the Higher Power, because it acts only for good.

The addict will have to cope with his stubbornness and selfishness, stop withdrawing into himself, stop regretting the past and what has not come true, learn to enjoy what he has. He will have to make a firm decision to get rid of addiction, and this decision must be made by both mind and heart.

Fourth. Introspection, moral assessment of one's actions.

The resident needs to impartially evaluate himself and realize what he really is, honestly admit the motives of his actions, remove layer after layer of selfishness and resentment and find the real himself under them. The addict must understand what irritates him, and what he really expects from the world.

Fifth. Recognition of your delusions and mistakes in front of another person.

Now the program member must present the results of his introspection to another (sponsor). Confession requires great courage from the resident, and great responsibility from the sponsor, who will have to listen and help the ward with advice.

Sixth. Acceptance of readiness to get rid of addiction.

A person has to see and realize that addiction has become an obstacle separating him from a healthy life, he must come to terms with himself, realize his shortcomings and see the path to recovery.

Seventh. Turning to a Higher Power for help.

This stage is a time for changing habits and gaining positive experiences. After the addict has realized his powerlessness, he gains a desire to act and overcome addiction, he opens up to a new life, feels ready to accept its new rules and completely abandon alcohol and drugs.

Eighth. Making a list of people the addict has harmed and making a plan of action to atone for their guilt.

This step will allow the addict to get rid of the guilt that has fallen on him at the moment when he embarked on the right path. He must remember all whom he has harmed in any way and repent before them. The participant of the 12-step program must be ready to humbly accept reproaches and listen to malicious speech addressed to him, but this is the only way to receive the forgiveness that is necessary for further recovery.

Ninth. Expiation of guilt before relatives.

At this stage, the addict takes responsibility, tries to establish social ties and compensate for the harm caused to the closest people. Not only material, but also moral damage is compensated. This is a difficult stage, so the sponsor helps his ward.

Tenth. Recognition of mistakes and transformation of destructive force into creative force.

The resident will have to acquire the necessary skills of self-control, learn to avoid disruptions, and analyze their actions. Also, a person must learn to build and maintain strong social ties.

Eleventh step. Comprehension and trust in the Higher power, self-improvement.

This stage marks the search for the abilities and talents of a person. The inner world of the program participant is only in the process of formation, but it is developing. False attachments disappear, introspection skills are strengthened, peace sets in.

The final step is an opportunity to share with the whole world the joy of freedom from addiction. During the program, huge changes have taken place in a person - a once embittered and offended drug addict / alcoholic has reincarnated into a healthy, full-fledged personality and a free person who is ready to develop and build harmonious relationships.

Why is the 12 step program so effective?

The program is also praised by people who have already completed it with success, and addicts who are just embarking on the path of recovery. Members of the program are impressed by the realization that their actions are their free choice, the program does not imply restrictions, does not set limits, it only helps a person to realize himself and his problem and points the way to a healthy life. There is no annoying and oppressive submission to authority in the program, there is no dictatorship, each member of the therapeutic community is equal, everyone is ready to provide voluntary assistance.

The program provides a much needed explanation of how to live without mind-altering substances. Step by step, it helps a person to rediscover himself, to regain lost prospects and opportunities, loved ones and favorite work.

The 12 step program for alcoholics is an effective rehabilitation technique that allows a person suffering from alcohol addiction to get rid of this disease, making their life better. How does this program work, what is it based on and what results does it help to achieve?

Brief description of the methodology

A step-by-step program consisting of 12 steps was developed by American scientists back in 1930. Over time, this method of dealing with addiction and rehabilitation of former alcoholics has become quite widespread in Europe and Asia. In the Russian Federation, the 12-step technique also appeared quite a long time ago and managed to win positive feedback from patients and positive characteristics from medical professionals.

The program is based on the awareness of the physical and psychological inability of drug addicts to cope with their problem on their own. Within the framework of the methodology, patients are provided with specialized assistance from qualified physicians and psychiatrists. The ultimate goal of the twelve-step program is to achieve full recovery, addiction recovery, and radical lifestyle change.

Thus, the system of life values ​​and priorities changes in former alcoholics. The presented technique is an exclusively psychological way of influencing the consciousness of drug addicts and alcohol addicts, and today this particular method of struggle is considered the most effective and efficient.

Advantages of the technique

The 12 Step Method, developed specifically for the rehabilitation of former alcoholics, has a number of significant advantages over other methods of getting rid of addictions. Let's consider them in more detail:

1. The program is quite simple and easy to understand for most patients.
2. The technique involves the achievement of a trusting relationship and close contact between patients and a specialist, which is extremely important for success and favorable results.
3. The "12 steps" method does not include the use of any medications and radical therapeutic interventions, which is very beneficial for the general health of the patient and helps to eliminate the possibility of side effects and adverse reactions of the body.
4. This technique is a step-by-step, sequential program, each step of which flows smoothly from the previous one. As a result, the body and consciousness of alcoholics undergo a soft, smooth restructuring with sufficient time for proper adaptation.
5. During the therapeutic process, the patient is in the community of the same alcoholics. According to psychologists, this factor helps to strengthen motivation, sets the patient up for success and strengthens his faith in his own strength.
6. The 12-step technique has been used for quite a long time for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts, people suffering from alcohol addiction. Long-term practice has proved the high efficiency, effectiveness and safety of the program.
7. The undoubted advantage of the technique is its versatility. The "12 steps" method is perfect for the rehabilitation of people with different levels of intellectual development, mentality and individual characteristics.

This video talks about the 12 hour technique:

Step by step description

The rehabilitation methodology for drug addicted patients includes 12 consecutive steps that people need to overcome in order to return to a normal life, getting rid of serious vices forever.

The 12 steps of Narcotics Anonymous are as follows:

1. Awareness of the problem and own powerlessness in front of it. For most alcoholics, this is the most difficult and difficult stage.
2. A person comes to the realization that a way out does exist. Someone sees support in God and prayers, and someone finds support by turning to a psychoanalyst or strictly following the principles of a rehabilitation program.
3. The 3rd step involves developing a deep trust in the person's chosen higher power to help heal them. Patients are taught to take responsibility for their own actions and decisions.
4. A person analyzes his own life, soberly assesses the strengths and weaknesses of his personality, looks for mistakes made in the past.
5. The 5th step involves a sincere recognition of one's own delusions before God, close people, and oneself.
6. At this stage, a person is clearly aware of his desire to correct the current situation, radically changing his own life by getting rid of harmful addiction.
7. At the 7th stage, the feeling of guilt is reborn into reserves of internal energy that a person can spend on working on himself. At this stage, the support and positive experience of other people who have successfully overcome this disease are especially important for a person.
8. A qualitative change in life position and relationships with other people. Sincerely repentant, a person does everything necessary to correct the situation and atone for his guilt before these people.
9. Correction of the situation, repentance and compensation for the damage caused to others. This is important for further successful rehabilitation, as it allows you to get rid of guilt and the burden of the past, preparing the basis for building a new life.
10. Self-analysis, search for errors and ways to correct them.
11. The 11th step involves the active spiritual development of the patient, prayers, meditations, spiritual practices contribute to the search for inner peace, strengthening the strength of the spirit and moral growth.
12. Achieve complete healing, continue self-improvement and build a new life. This stage involves helping other people suffering from drug or alcohol addiction problems.

This video shows a 12 step workshop.

How not to drink Oleg Viktorovich Stetsenko

Chapter 11

Starting the description of the 12 Step program, the author must immediately determine that he is not a representative, leader or authority of the community of Alcoholics Anonymous due to the fact that such cannot be according to the traditions of this community. However, it would be a huge remiss not to describe this phenomenon in a book on addiction treatment.

Unfortunately, in practice one often encounters the fact that patients have some fragmentary and often erroneous information about the program. What is worth mentioning that, they say, there are some kind of "Intimate alcoholics", "Secret alcoholics" or even "Autonomous alcoholics". As a rule, patients have the opinion that this is either a religious sect, or a club for moderate users, or some kind of elite clinic for actors and artists.

One of the A.A. traditions is that they are based on attractive ideas, not propaganda. This chapter will describe how the author himself understands these ideas, without pretense of evaluation.

From a clinical point of view, this program gives quite significant results. All over the world, it is the "12 steps" that are considered the most civilized way to solve the problem. One gets the impression that “this horse” pulled out more than one, but is this correct or not from a scientific point of view? As a practicing doctor, I try not to ask such questions, especially since the opinions of scientists about the effectiveness of such programs are very diverse. Sometimes it's diametrically opposed...

The main thing to understand is that the 12 Steps is a program of spiritual growth. This is not a clinical detox, not employment, not communication training, but a place where a person can understand himself. Other members of the community can help him with this, but everything he does or misses will be done by himself. No one will lead him, or take his responsibility. After all, this is the concept of freedom: do what you want, do not interfere with anyone and bear responsibility for what you have done.

Depending on the translation into Russian, the steps in different editions are somewhat different, but the main idea is the same everywhere.

First step : admitted their powerlessness over alcohol, came to the conclusion that they were not in control of their lives.

Many, upon hearing this at an A.A. meeting, immediately experienced negative denial: “I thought I could draw strength from them, but they are powerless!” The idea is that only by admitting powerlessness can a person stop trying to do what they have always done.

Powerlessness is not weakness. Weakness is partial, it humiliates a person, impotence is absolute, it exalts. Recognition of powerlessness is an adult decision, only knowing what I am capable of will I be able to develop, otherwise I will have to continue to test the world for strength, finding out what I still cannot. Impotence is a wonderful thing, because it removes the need for prohibition. A person does not need to forbid himself to lie down on the rails in front of the train, since he admits his powerlessness in front of the locomotive. If he considers this as a weakness, he will have to forbid himself from such actions each time until he deceives himself and tries to commit a crazy act after all. Recognition of powerlessness is a victory over temptation, not a struggle that draws you into excitement and anger, but an opportunity to pass by. In fact, the recognition of complete impotence will allow a person to avoid the curse of Sisyphus. If this ancient hero had admitted his powerlessness over the stone, he would have gone up the mountain without it.

Third step in the program, many see it as a cornerstone, a "keystone". It consists in the fact that we turned our will over to a higher power as we understood it.

I often had to see people who, after these words, literally jumped up and ran away from the meeting, believing that they were on some kind of sectarian sermon. Many decorously explained that I was an atheist, an agnostic, and, in general, if I wanted to talk about God, I would go to church. Firstly, this is the third step, not everyone started with it, besides, some, starting with God-seeking, immediately became religious fanatics. The community has a position: “First come to the group, then come to yourself, and then to God.” In any case, 12 steps is not a sect, and everything is done to avoid becoming a sect. There will be no sermons, for this you really need to go to the temple.

An alcoholic is a mentally ill person, and therefore it is only natural that this is a program of spiritual growth. Trying to save the soul, and not thinking about the Almighty, a person risks losing it again.

Alcoholics Anonymous is not a religious program: it is not recommended to mention the name of God at the meeting - everyone has their own ideas. There are people for whom the Higher Power is generally not presented in the form of the God that is usually mentioned in traditional confessions. People believe in Universal Justice, in the Wisdom of Nature, in the expediency of existence. It doesn't matter. The important thing is that these people have the meaning of life, not earthly, momentary, which can be viewed differently depending on the situation or mood, but comprehensive independent of the circumstances and opinions of others.

Many said that before the third step, there was a feeling that you were trying to get out of the ice pit, but the walls were slippery, and no matter how quickly you moved your feet, you still slide down. And only after I managed to take on something unshakable, the situation began to change for real.

8th and 9th step : made a list of people who were harmed and tried to make amends if it did not bother anyone.

Debts have to be distributed. These "tails" of the disease will not allow a person to go further, but this is the 8th and 9th step. You do not need to start with this. Debts must be distributed by a person who can no longer borrow. Only when the alcoholic has already acquired the skills to protect himself from addiction can he begin to do something for others, realizing that he can do it. It is not always possible to distribute debts, Not all the people to whom you owe something are ready to accept an apology from you. No need to demand, the main thing is your readiness, determination.

12 step : tried to convey the meaning of our ideas to other alcoholics- final. Many began their sobriety with a "fight against alcohol." They literally pounced on a drunken neighbor, dragged a relative by the hand to a group, or to a doctor, got acquainted with a drug addict, and then spent all their time and money on her treatment. As a rule, this “battle” ended with the disruption of the agitator himself. It was bad for the patient and terrible for his charges. Imagine what thoughts appeared in people who seemed to begin to believe, and suddenly, they saw him drunk.

There is the prayer of Alcoholics Anonymous. The members of the program themselves do not claim its authorship. I often heard “offended” people who found the “historical truth” and claimed that the author of these words was someone else, and you, they say, attribute them to yourself, or incorrectly indicate the author. I would not be surprised to know that these words were inscribed on the walls of Babylon, and people have been repeating them ever since.

These are the words:

God give me the intelligence and peace of mind to accept what I cannot change, the courage to change what I can, and the wisdom to tell one from the other.